The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Brandon Phillips played the role of cleanup-hitter extraordinaire this evening, going 3 for 3 with a 2 run husker-du, 2 runs scored, and a nifty barehanded play on defense. BP must sense that he's second in All-Star voting among NL second basemen, as he's turning it on as the break looms. After tonight's work, he's sitting at a right nice .284/.332/.436 on the season, and is on pace for 20 HR, 90 RBI, and 90 Runs scored. BP do what BP do.

Honorable mention duly deserved by Mat Latos, who went 7 strong innings while allowing only 2 ER; Joey Votto, who was on base 3 times in his 4 PAs, and Ryan Hanigan, who was also on base 3 times this evening. Chris Heisey and Wilson Valdez also managed to get on base 3 times collectively in front of the big boys, and each scored a run as a result.

Good on ya, Reddos.

Key Plays

• The Reds manufactured a classic 1st inning run. Wilson Valdez walked and advanced to second on a Votto groundout. He later scored when Phillips singled up the middle. Reds lead, 1-0.
• Latos cruised through the Indians' lineup the first time through, but ran into a bit of trouble in the 4th. Jason Kipnis reached base on a bunt that stayed fair, and Carlos Santana walked on 4 straight balls. Michael "Jeff" Brantley singled (extending his hit streak to 20 games), and Casey Kotchman plated a run on a sac fly. Latos battled, however, and limited the damage to only one run. Game tied, 1-1.
• The Reds industrial revolutioned runs in the 4th and 5th, with singles, walks, and a Votto double allowing Ryan Ludwick and Jay Bruce to knock in runs via sac flies. Reds lead, 3-1.
• John E. Damon managed to score Carlos Santana after his Black Magic Double to the wall, narrowing the gap to a single run in the 6th. The Reds held off the Indians for the next few innings, and put the game out of reach in the 7th when Phillips killmeistered a mole over the wall to score Joey Votto. Aroldis Chapman (in the midst of showing Dusty that he should be a starter and not closer) allowed a donked honker to a washed-up Jose Lopez, but that was that. Reds win, 5-3!
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via www.fangraphs.com

Other Notes

• The Reds are now 8-2 overall in the last 10 games Latos has started. Latos himself hasn't taken a lost decision since April 18th. That's almost 2 months, folks.
• Zack Cozart was held out of the lineup for the second straight night with flu-like symptoms; Mike Leake, hoping to go tomorrow night, has also been suffering from the bug. Don't be shocked if Bronson Arroyo, who is on regular rest after Monday's off day, to start tomorrow.
• Bucs lost, Reds won, leaving a 2 game lead for the good guys in the Central.